Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales shared what Tet McMillan's usage and role could look like in the 2026 season.
The Carolina Panthers enter the 2026 season looking to repeat as NFC South Champions and get into the playoffs for a second straight season.
One of their key pieces will be reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Panthers' Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan had a phenomenal season for the Panthers, catching 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.
The 23-year-old emerged as one of the best receivers in the league and will be the focal point of Carolina's offense in the 2026 season.
"We'll use [McMillan] in a versatile way, be able to take advantage of how comfortable he is in the slot, and then also still be able to take advantage of the one-on-one opportunities when they come to us," head coach Dave Canales said.
McMillan's versatility gives the Panthers a ton of flexibility on offense to find favorable matchups for him to get open. Outside of McMillan, Carolina will lean on Jalen Coker and the other weapons on the outside.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectMcMillan's immediate impact in his rookie season helped quarterback Bryce Young have the best season of his career. Young completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns.
If Young takes another leap in the 2026 season, Carolina could emerge as a very talented offense. The Panthers will be making a change at running back as Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks will lead the backfield after Rico Dowdle left in free agency to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In a secondary role behind Dowdle in the 2025 season, Hubbard rushed for 511 yards and a touchdown on 134 carries, along with 30 receptions for 223 yards and three touchdowns.
He proved to be a capable starter in the 2024 season with the Panthers, as he rushed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns, with 43 receptions for 171 yards and a touchdown.
Carolina's offense has quality talent, and if McMillan is able to build upon his 2026 season, the Panthers could be on their way to winning another NFC South Title.
